Broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan donned his cap and gown to accept an honorary degree yesterday.

The 71-year-old former BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter was visibly moved as he accepted his Doctor of Law degree in front of medical students graduating from the University of Leicester.

Before the ceremony, he said: "I owe more to the university than it owes to me. I am substantially humbled because people like me don't deserve degrees."

Sir Terry's link with Leicester began when he referred to it as "the lost city" – one constantly mentioned in traffic reports but "otherwise unknown to mankind".

Angry listeners invited him to Leicester and he ended up signing a declaration agreeing never to call the city lost again.

His Terry's Old Geezers or Gals (Togs) conference now takes place at the university halls of residence every year.

On accepting his degree, he said: "I wonder if you can imagine how much of an eejit you can feel when such distinguished people bestow virtues to you.

"I'm just someone who grabs a microphone and talks a lot without thinking much."

Actor Chris Barrie also received an honorary Doctor of Technology degree from Loughborough University yesterday.

Best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer in sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, he received the honour in recognition of his promotion of engineering to the public.

He said: "I am an enthusiast who is hopelessly devoted to cars and motorcycles – old clunks really. I am deeply honoured in receiving this award."

Leicester-born Peter Wilby, a former pupil of Beauchamp College in Oadby, was also given an honorary degree by the University of Leicester yesterday for his work as a journalist for the Observer, The Times and The Independent.